August 2, 2017 

My integration into the Ecovillage

Camille MARTIN – Member of la Cité Écologique since 2015

“Hello, my name is Camille Martin. I’m 26 years old, and four years ago, my life changed when I arrived at La Cité Écologique in Ham-Nord.

But let’s start at the beginning—in France, in the most wonderful city in the world (yes, really!): Bordeaux. Wine lovers won’t argue with me! That’s where I grew up. In 2013, I was 22 and studying for a Master’s in Biodiversity and Continental Ecosystems at Bordeaux University. Basically, it was a biology and ecology program focused on nature and climate change.

As part of my studies, I had to complete a three-month internship. My adventurous spirit had already taken me to faraway places—like Benin, where I spent a year studying a monkey species in a remote forest. So I set my sights on an international internship.

With my language skills still developing, Québec seemed like the perfect option: a French-speaking country, Western (so my parents wouldn’t worry about snakes), and on another continent—just enough adventure! And on top of that, in an ecovillage! I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but as someone deeply interested in ecology, I was curious to find out.

So on May 6, 2013, I flew to beautiful Québec, alone but confident that this experience would once again exceed my expectations.

On the bus from Montréal to Victoriaville, where Nébesna Fortin—the internship coordinator I’d been in touch with—was waiting for me, I began a travel journal. I wrote: “In one hour, I’ll finally arrive in this mysterious village and begin an experience that will surely mark my life once again!” And as you’ll see, I was absolutely right.

Upon arriving at La Cité Écologique in Ham-Nord (about 30 minutes from Victoriaville), Nébesna gave me a tour of the ecovillage. She was my age and had lived there her whole life, attending the on-site school from preschool through high school. She described a nature-based school full of creative, hands-on environmental projects, where evaluations included both academic learning and personal development.

I thought back to my own school years—sitting in a chair, listening to lectures, buried in notes and stress. I was captivated by what she shared. Education and children’s happiness have always been central to La Cité’s mission.

The ecovillage also offers a post-secondary experience: after high school, young people spend about two years interning in various on-site businesses—at the organic farm, Respecterre (eco-friendly clothing), Khéops (symbolic gift items), the alternative school, the communal kitchen, construction, public outreach, and more.

I met so many smiling, welcoming people. The grounds were vast and blooming, with winding footpaths and views of distant hills. I was dazzled.

That evening, we played beach volleyball—my favorite sport!—and ended the day with a swim in the nearby river and a delicious meal at “La Casa,” the intern house. I remember meeting Dobrina, Ugo (more on him later), Svetlina, and Jérôme, another French intern.

I spent three incredible months at the ecovillage. Weekdays were devoted to my internship at the farm, where I studied pest control solutions. I ate daily vegetarian lunches at the community house, made meaningful connections, and joined in as many community activities as I could.

May 8, 2013: “I can’t believe I’m here. This is truly amazing. From the very first days, you feel at home. Everyone is so kind and welcoming.”

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. My internship eventually wrapped up. But since this story is titled “My Integration into an Ecovillage,” you can guess—it didn’t end there.

Back in France, after ten months of finishing my studies and starting new projects, I realized my heart was still in Québec. I had to follow its call.

So on May 30, 2014, I returned to La Cité Écologique for a full year. This trial year helps both the individual and the community explore whether long-term integration is a good fit.

That summer, I worked at the farm; in winter, I supported Nébesna’s sustainability education projects. And I began a relationship with the love of my life, Ugo—who had spent part of his childhood at the ecovillage before moving to Québec City with his father. By fate, he returned in 2013—the same year I arrived. He’s now the marketing and sales manager at Respecterre.

I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Initial joy was later tinged with homesickness and the challenges of living 24/7 with 80 people aged 3 to 75, each with their own personality! But after three years, those challenges feel like drops in the ocean compared to the wave of love, joy, and vitality I receive every day. I truly feel part of a “big family.”

At the end of my trial year, I formally requested to become an official member—with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it: attending member assemblies, joining management committees, working in one of the businesses, and contributing to the community budget.

It’s now been two years since I became a member. I’ve explored many roles—at the farm, in tourism with Nébesna, at Respecterre (with my beloved), delivering for Khéops, and supporting school activities. I even invited my parents to visit. They love it here and return every summer! On July 5, 2015, they attended my wedding to Ugo.

So yes, La Cité Écologique truly changed my life.

Today is July 10, 2017. I’ve been working at Khéops for nearly a year, delivering packages in a joyful, respectful work environment. In my free time, I volunteer with the children—helping at the kindergarten, organizing after-school activities, and joining educational committees.

And just when I thought life couldn’t get better… I’m thrilled to announce that I’m expecting a baby boy this December!

So what more can I say? I wholeheartedly encourage you to try life in a community. The daily exchanges are so enriching. And yes—I’ll keep investing in this beautiful project so my son can grow up surrounded by the richness of this way of life, for as long as he chooses.”